The sun was shining as we waved St Mary’s goodbye on Monday 10th June as the MIV set off for a week on the Isle of Wight, the weather forecast suggested we were in for a lovely warm week, with only a few showers.
Our first stop on the island was the Wild Heart Animal Sanctuary and the girls had a wonderful time visiting the animals that the sanctuary had rescued. We had a guided visit from one of the keepers who told us lots of interesting facts about the animals and some of the sad stories about their lives before the sanctuary. The tigers were a real favourite and we loved learning about the cockatoos that like to dance to Encanto!
After we checked into the hotel, there was time for a quick swim (even though it was a bit cold!) and an explore around Shanklin.
On Tuesday, we headed to Brading Roman Villa and the girls thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Romans on the Isle of Wight and discovering the beautiful mosaics that formed the flooring of the villa. In the afternoon, we headed to Tapnell Farm Aqua Park and the girls had a brilliant time jumping off the inflatables and completing the course. In the evening, we had great fun at the Pirates Cove Crazy Golf, with Mia achieving the best score.
On Wednesday, we had a day of learning at Carisbrooke Castle and Quarr Abbey. We really enjoyed exploring the ‘Wall Walk’ that went around the walls of the castle and visiting the keep. The afternoon had a quieter feel, with a visit to the Abbey where we were invited to join a short service, after which the girls had the opportunity to ask one of the monks what life was like in the Abbey. The girls were very respectful and so well-behaved during our visit that I rewarded them all with an ice cream. Many of the girls were glad to get back to Shanklin to cool down in the sea as it was quite a hot day on the Isle. I even had a little dip myself! In the evening, we had several rounds of Laser Quest, with the girls battling fiercely against the boy prep school that joined us for the evening.
On Thursday, we visited Osbourne House, Queen Victoria’s summer residence. We took part in a Victorian workshop, ‘The Queen is coming’, with the very strict Housekeeper, Mrs Smith. Mrs Smith taught the girls how to polish, make beds with sheets and blankets, and set a table setting ensuring they measured the distances between all the crockery and cutlery as well as grinding coffee and sugar. Once the workshop was over, the girls had an opportunity to find out what life was like ‘below stairs’ for Victorian servants by asking lots of very good questions. We also explored the beautiful walled garden that was bursting with flowers and buzzing bees. We then walked down to the beach for lunch and had a little paddle before our formal visit to the house to see what life was like ‘above stairs’ for Queen Victoria and her family.
In the afternoon, we hit the beach in Sandown, where the girls managed to surf on some fairly large waves. It did get a bit cold and wet towards the end of the session, so they were all very glad to get dry and have a hot chocolate.
On our last evening, we all dressed up and headed to bowling, to finish the trip in true Isle of Wight style! The girls were a pleasure to take on the trip and lots of wonderful memories were made.
Mrs Louise Cavanagh